History

Aikido

Aikido means the way of harmonizing universal energy. It is a way to
realize your mental and physical potential and an effective means of
self-protection. The goal of Aikido is the enlightenment of the student,
not the destruction of the attacker. Aikido teaches awareness of the
interaction of mind and body. Unification of the mind, body and spirit
is the ultimate purpose of Aikido.

All Aikido movements contain circles and spirals which echo the helical
patterns found in nature. In addition to circular movements, Aikido employs
blending of action between the aggressor and the defender. The attack
is received and redirected into a hold or throw in one continuous movement.
The power for this movement is generated from the lower abdomen and legs.
It does not rely on upper body strength and muscle. Coordination improves
between the left and right sides of the body. Overall health is enhanced.

Greater understanding and even mastery of Aikido requires the internalizing
of Aikido principles as well as techniques. These principles are unusual
for a martial art: a compassionate attitude towards an attacker, remaining
calm in the midst of heated action, and recognizing and reconciling conflicts
before they escalate into major problems. This is the approach that differentiates
Aikido from the other martial arts. By constant practice and study of
Aikido, the art is integrated into life. When you experience this, a
glimpse of the true meaning of Aikido can be understood.

The Founder (1889-1969)

Morihei Ueshiba, called O-sensei (great teacher), studied the traditional
martial arts of Japan. With mind, body and soul he mastered the sword,
spear, and jo (short staff) as well as the empty-handed arts. Yet, even
with this mastery, he was dissatisfied with the scope and philosophy
of the martial arts. Master Ueshiba felt that the physical techniques
alone were not enough. With this in mind, he secluded himself in Ibaraki
Prefecture to search for the true meaning of the martial arts. There
he founded a shrine dedicated to the spirit of Aiki. It was in the shrine
that the Master spent long hours training and performing purifying exercises
in the hope of reaching his goal. Through this arduous period, Master
Ueshiba began to evolve the principles of Aikido. Rather than focusing
on discord and the constant desire to win and dominate, the ideas of
harmony and peaceful reconciliation began to emerge.

Through a revelation in the mid 1940s, he found the answer. The essence
of Budo, the way of the warrior, was blended with spiritual awareness
to create Aikido.

Aiki Shrine

The Aiki shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, embodies the spirit of
Aikido and serves as its source of inspiration. It was here at Ibaraki
Shuren Dojo that O-sensei refined and perfected Aikido. After teaching
and traveling throughout Japan, he would return to the dojo shrine for
further refinement and study.

Even now, practitioners from all over the world come to the shrine to
pay homage to the memory of O-sensei and to revitalize their training
in Aikido.